National Aboriginal Day highlights the need for reconciliation

Fredericton – On National Aboriginal Day, David Coon, Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick and MLA for Fredericton South is calling on the government to prioritize reconciliation with the First Nations of New Brunswick: the Wolastoqiyik, the Mi’kmaq, and the Passamaquoddy.

“We must implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada if we are to see genuine reconciliation between the government and the First Nations of New Brunswick,” said Coon. “An immediate step would be to pass Bill 10, my act to ensure all students learn about our treaty relationship with First Nations, the legacy of residential schools and to build intercultural understanding and respect.”

This month marks one year since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission published its calls to action, including a recommendation to make age-appropriate curriculum on First Nations mandatory for all students.

“As the representative assembly for New Brunswickers, we have the opportunity when we return to the Legislautre on June 28th, to take one tiny step toward reconciliation with the adoption of Bill 10.”
-30-